AstraZeneca ‘opt-in’ move lauded

PETALING JAYA: Allowing people to “opt in” for the AstraZeneca jab will speed up the immunisation programme, say health experts.

Universiti Malaya epidemiologist Prof Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud said the move could be considered a good “middle ground”.

“We have already purchased the vaccine and there are a lot of people who want to be vaccinated but are not yet eligible for vaccination.

“If these people take up the vaccine, we will minimise wastage and may achieve herd immunity earlier too.

“Right now, we are not on track for herd immunity to be achieved by year-end, ” he said.

Dr Awang Bulgiba also said he does not foresee many logistical challenges, especially as the AstraZeneca vaccine does not require ultra-low temperatures for storage.

“If the uptake is good, then I do not foresee any issues there.

“But if the uptake is low, then there will be incoming supplies which need to be used up within the six-month shelf life.

“Another critical part will be monitoring these voluntary vaccine recipients, ” he said, noting that more people may be encouraged to take up the vaccine if the incidence of blood clots from the vaccine is low.

The incidence of rare blood clot cases with low platelets linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine is only about four cases per million vaccinated individuals, with about one death in a million.

Universiti Malaya expert virologist Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar commended the “smart move” by the Covid-19 Task Force to have people sign up for the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“It is a good idea. For people who want to get the vaccine quickly and who do not have fears about it – why not? Give them a chance to take it. It can also be an opportunity for the private sector to get the vaccines for their staff, ” he said.

He said, however, that although people can book to get the vaccine, priority should still be given to those above 60 as the Health Ministry initially announced.

“The risk of developing severe blood clots is small for those above 60, so they can be a priority even in this new booking system, ” he added.

However, Universiti Malaya public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Victor Hoe said the Health Ministry should make the decision on what vaccine should be given to which age group.

The initial announcement by the ministry to give that vaccine to people aged 60 and above is the measure that should continue, he said.

“It’s because the risk of developing blood clots in this age group is very small compared to the younger age group.

“The literature on the efficacy and side effects of the vaccine is complicated and difficult for the layperson to understand.

“It would be better for healthcare professionals to decide on which vaccine will offer the best protection with the lowest risk of side effects.

“When the person comes for the shot, the doctor attending can also decide whether the vaccine is suitable for the person based on detailed medical history, ” added Dr Hoe.

The European Medicines Agency has maintained that the overall benefits of getting the jab still outweigh any risks.

According to its report, most of the blood clot cases have been found to occur in women under 60 years of age within two weeks of vaccination.

Yesterday, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine would not be used in mainstream immunisation programme but that the public can opt for it voluntarily.